DRAGONS IN TOP GEAR
Newport Gwent Dragons players Tom Willis, James Arlidge and Grant Webb today (Wednesday 23 July) unveil the new Dragons jersey for the 2008/09 season featuring new front-line sponsor Motorpoint.
Willis, Arlidge and Webb have each joined the region on a two-year contract, while the UK’s number one car supermarket group, Motorpoint, pledged two years (with a third year option) to the region in a six figure deal and leading rugby sportswear manufacturer, Canterbury of New Zealand, have committed for four years.
Chief Executive Gethin Jenkins is positive that the new players and sponsorship deals reflect the exciting times ahead for the region and the growing confidence in the Dragons region. He said:
"The new relationship with both Motorpoint and Canterbury is a major statement of intent by us and shows the confidence that high profile brands have in our ambition and where we are at the moment.
“We are moving forward as a region and our jersey has to be the best product available to fit this statement. I believe that the Dragons squad will strive to match the excellence and success of the two major sponsorship deals over the next season.”
He added: “Robust recruitment at the Dragons has been driven alongside the strong growth in our commerical programme. We were determined to secure quality and experienced players to compliment the experience and emerging talent already nurtured by the Dragons within the region.
“When Paul and I travelled to New Zealand, we explained our plans and the direction that the team is going and, as a result, the players here today have committed themselves to the Dragons for the coming two-years.”
New Dragons hooker Tom Willis, also a qualified lawyer, brings to the region over 60 games experience as player and captain in Super 14 for Waikato/ Chiefs and five caps for the All Blacks in 2001-02.
Tom said: “It’s fantastic to finally be here. There appears to be a really positive and enthusiastic buzz among the lads and very soon I’d imagine the guys will be itching for some footie.
“It’s fantastic that Motorpoint and Canterbury have come on board and the new shirt and apparel looks fantastic. I know the boys have a real desire to perform for themselves and everyone involved in the region.”
Number 8 Grant Webb has played Super 14 and NPC rugby in New Zealand with Otago Highlanders and Hawks Bay and also played in Japan for Toyota. He joins the Dragons after a period at Ulster last season and is looking forward to the challenge of the new season.
He said: “As I’ve said since I arrived here, I’m totally impressed with the training and work ethic from both the players and management staff and believe there’s a real feeling to do well this season. I really like the new jerseys and look forward to representing the Dragons this year.”
New Zealand born fly-half James Arlidge made his successful international debut for Japan last year against South Korea with two tries and ten conversions following three seasons playing Super 14 rugby in New Zealand for the Highlanders and Blues. He joins the Dragons following the IRB Pacific Nations Cup with ten international caps.
“I’m really excited to be here and it looks like the boys have been working hard over the summer. I’m looking forward to getting involved in the upcoming season here at the Dragons,” James said.
Head coach Paul Turner is impressed with the efforts of the Dragons so far and also the new apparel featuring title sponsors Motorpoint.
He commented: "Everyone is totally impressed by the quality of the new kit and are thrilled that Motorpoint are on board as title sponsors for the next two seasons, and hopefully beyond.
“The Canterbury brand is recognised for it’s excellence and I know that all our players are really looking forward to playing in the full range of kit throughout the season."
